Ruth F. Lucas, PhD, RNC, CLS
Associate Professor
School of Nursing
Research Overview
Dr. Lucas is an expert in innovative breastfeeding measurements, breast and nipple pain self-management, social support of breastfeeding, and breastfeeding experiences in African American women. Her research focuses on supporting breastfeeding equity through biopsychosocial and molecular mechanisms, and biomechanics of infant breastfeeding behaviors. Presently, Dr. Lucas’ current projects includes partnering with partnered with Connecticut’s Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) and Hartford Hospital Women’s Ambulatory Health Services to adapt and translate the successful PROMPT study modules for women eligible for WIC services. In addition, Dr. Lucas’ lab is testing a biomedical lactation device prototype to measure changing intraoral pressure during bottle feeding in real time.
Education
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Chicago, 2011
Recent/Selected Publications
| ruth.lucas@uconn.edu |